Dr. Sanford Shapiro, DMD

Dr. Sanford Shapiro, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Miami, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health.

Dr. Sanford DMD's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is dedicated to serving all ages, understanding that preventative care is crucial at every stage of life. Patients should call (305) 387-3002 to confirm if Dr. Sanford DMD is currently accepting new patients. As a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, he provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Sanford DMD is a dentistry practitioner in Miami, FL, committed to providing exceptional preventative dental care. He's a staunch believer in the power of proactive health management and works closely with each patient to create a personalized plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. His focus on prevention, coupled with his commitment to collaborative care, makes him an invaluable partner in maintaining optimal oral and systemic health throughout your life.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Sanford DMD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Sanford DMD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Sanford DMD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Tender Gums: Preventing gum tenderness through proper brushing and flossing is essential for maintaining healthy gums and keeping your smile bright.
• Tooth Displacement: Protecting your teeth from displacement, whether through accident prevention or prompt treatment, is crucial for maintaining your overall oral health and preventing infection.
• Open Bite: Maintaining proper jaw alignment is key to preventing an open bite from worsening and potentially causing more serious issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, emphasizing the significance of proactive dental care.
• Tooth Demineralization: Tooth demineralization is the gradual loss of minerals from your tooth enamel, increasing your susceptibility to cavities; maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly can stop this process.
• Underbite: Preventing future dental problems starts with addressing an underbite early; misalignment can lead to jaw pain, teeth wear, and difficulty chewing, impacting your overall well-being.
• Hunter Glossitis: Early detection of Hunter glossitis is key to preventing long-term damage to your tongue and maintaining optimal oral health.
• Tooth Loss: Managing existing dental problems like gum disease and cavities promptly can help you maintain your natural teeth and avoid the need for tooth replacements.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Sanford DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Geneva 2000™ Dentures: Geneva 2000™ Dentures can restore your smile and improve your self-esteem, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
• Cerec® Tooth Restoration Procedure: Take a proactive step towards a healthier smile with CEREC®; this same-day restoration procedure repairs damaged teeth, preventing further decay and discomfort.
• LumiSmile™ White: LumiSmile™ White helps brighten your smile, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and catch any potential issues during your routine dental checkups.
• PerioLase® Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): Invest in your long-term oral health by choosing LANAP; it's a targeted treatment for gum disease that can help you avoid more invasive procedures.
• Panorex X-Ray: Protecting your smile starts with a Panorex X-ray, a simple scan that helps us assess the overall health of your teeth and jaw, preventing more serious issues down the line.
• Dental Laser Procedure: Protect your smile and prevent future problems by using a dental laser procedure for precise and minimally invasive treatment of cavities and gum disease.
• Impacted Tooth Removal: Impacted tooth removal proactively prevents potential infections, pain, and damage to surrounding teeth by addressing trapped teeth before they cause problems.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Sanford DMD is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By incorporating a consistent oral hygiene routine, a patient effectively managed their gum tenderness and enjoyed a confident, healthy smile.
• By implementing a proactive dental plan, a family reduced the risk of tooth displacement, gaining peace of mind about their oral health and future smiles.
• A patient, recognizing the importance of early intervention for an open bite, proactively worked with a preventive dentist to develop a personalized plan, significantly reducing the risk of future TMJ issues. This proactive approach ensured a stable jaw alignment and peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Sanford DMD:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Sanford DMD, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seal out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction. Dr. Sanford DMD is committed to providing comfortable and effective care.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can result from worn enamel, receding gums exposing the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Sanford DMD is needed to determine the cause and recommend effective treatments, like desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Sanford DMD recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

13550 SW 88th St Ste 170
Miami FL 33186
Phone: (305) 387-3002

Dr. Sanford Shapiro, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1508873290

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Sanford DMD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.